Joe Girardi pulled Robinson Cano out of the game today in the fifth inning after his latest half-speed effort in the field.

“Your job is to play hard,” said Girardi, who indicated that Cano might not be in the lineup tomorrow against the White Sox.

Good for Girardi. But why did it take so long? The point needed to be made to Cano in April or May, not when it was too late to matter.

Given how well Girardi handled the youthful Florida roster in 2006, its surprising that Cano didn’t flourish this season. But that likely speaks more to the attitude of the player than the skill of the manager.

The Yankees have a problem with Cano. It’s easy to say they should trade him. But his value has never been lower than it is right now.